Iran’s Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani
The letter, dated 19 February 2026, addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Security Council President James Kariuki, said that US President Donald Trump’s recent statements are a violation of the UN Charter and international law.
Iran specifically referred to a post Trump posted on social media on 18 February, in which he said that if Iran refuses to reach an agreement, the US could use the Diego Garcia base and Fairford Airport to launch an attack against Iran.
Iran’s Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, who signed the letter, insisted that threats of force cannot be accepted as a “political custom” or diplomatic tool. He called on the Security Council to urgently prevent what he called “a violation of the law” from escalating into a full-scale war that could have regional and global implications.
Iran has reiterated that it does not seek war or a new crisis, but that if attacked, it will exercise its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. It added that all bases, facilities and assets of the attacking forces would be a legitimate target for a defensive response.
Tehran also said it remained committed to a diplomatic solution, saying it was serious about nuclear talks and wanted sanctions lifted, which it described as “illegal and inhumane.”
Iran’s letter came at a time of heightened rhetoric and military buildup between Washington and Tehran, despite renewed talks aimed at easing tensions.